The following is frequently asked questions about eProtocol to assist you. The first section contains general system questions about eProtocol, and the second section includes questions about the Conflict of Interest module on eProtocol.

General Frequently Asked Questions about eProtocol

Who can log into eProtocol?
In order to login to eProtocol, you must have a Wayne State University Access ID.  If you have forgotten your Access ID and password, please contact C&IT help desk for further assistance at (313) 577-4357.  If you do not have an Access ID, click here:  https://computing.wayne.edu/accessid/guest.php

What browser should I use?
In order to use eProtocol to its full capabilities, a supported web browser is mandatory.  The browsers compatible with eProtcol are Firefox 12 and above for PC users, and Safari 6 and above for Mac users. To download the latest version of Firefox, visit https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/. To download the latest version of Safari, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204416.

Should I turn allow pop-up windows?
Before using eProtcool, it is critical to turn off the pop-up blocker on your browser.  Pop-up windows navigation is essential and therefore pop-up blockers on this site must be disabled. To turn off the pop-up blocker on Firefox, follow these steps:

• Open Firefox.
• On the Tools menu, select Options and then choose Content.
• Uncheck the "Block pop-up windows" box to turn pop-up blocker off.

To turn off the pop-up blocker on Safari, follow these steps:

• In the top left, select "Safari," then select "Preferences" from the drop down menu.
• From the preferences pane select "Security" on the top row.
• Uncheck the "Block pop-up windows" box to turn pop-up blocker off.

Can I use my browser's BACK button?
eProtocol works best if you DO NOT use your back button. Instead, use the menus and links within the application to navigate.

Will resizing my screens be helpful?
There are numerous pop-up windows used in the software.  Don't forget you can resize the screens or use zoom to better suit your view.

Where can I find more information about eProtocol?
Many pages in the application offer instructions right on the screen to help guide you and answer the most common questions. You can also see our frequently asked questions page and training manuals found on the eProtocol website at research.wayne.edu/eprotocol/.

How do I save my application?
eProtocol automatically saves your application as you move from page to page.  You may also save your work by clicking on the disk icon on the upper right corner of the application.

Do I need to log out of the system?
To protect your private information, always log out of the system and shut down your browser completely (close all browser windows) when you are finished using eProtocol.

Why can only one amendment at a time be submitted in eProtocol?
Once a protocol is officially approved, it may be modified through the amendment process.  A proposal to amend the protocol is submitted, reviewed by the committee and, if approved, is incorporated in the previously approved protocol.  Thus, approved amendments create a new version of the approved protocol.  Tracking the versions is critical because research conducted under the protocol is required to comply with the most recent approved version of the protocol.  For this reason, when an amendment is submitted, additional amendments cannot be accepted until the submitted amendment has been reviewed.  

Wayne State and other institutions have addressed this issue by allowing researchers to "bundle" several proposed protocol modifications into a single amendment.  This is especially helpful when adding key personnel because training may be required for these individuals. Making sure that any prospective key personnel have received their required training prior to submission of the amendment will significantly reduce the time required for approval of the amendment. We encourage you to contact the office before starting a personnel amendment to identify and arrange for the appropriate training before an eProtocol amendment is entered into the system. This process also helps researchers avoid inadvertent protocol violations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict of Interest module on eProtocol

Has the disclosure changed since changing from paper format to the new system?
No, the disclosure questions that are asked have been taken directly from the form used previously.  The categories for disclosure are:  Publicly Traded Entity; Non-Publicly Traded Entity; Intellectual Property Rights and Interests; Incentives; and For Profit Incentives.

How often do I have to complete a Conflict of Interest disclosure in the eProtocol system?
With the new eProtocol system, disclosures will be submitted on an annual basis.  Previously, disclosures needed to be submitted on a per-protocol basis, but this is no longer the case.  Going forward, we require one disclosure listing ALL of the entity/sponsor information you may have. 

When is an amendment required in eProtocol for a COI?
If you have a change in the disclosure information within the 12 months of approval, you will generate an Amendment to update the information.  If no Amendment is needed during the approval period, a simple Continuation will be done prior to the 12-month expiration.

Do I still need to disclosure travel?
Yes, you are required to disclose the occurrence of any reimbursed or sponsored travel exceeding $4,999 paid on your behalf related to your institutional responsibilities.  (You do not need to include travel reimbursed or sponsored by federal, state, or local government agencies, or institutions of higher education.)

Where can I find the Individual and Institutional Financial Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy?
The policy can be located and downloaded at http://research.wayne.edu/integrity/docs/fcoi-research-policy-7-11-13.pdf.

I have heard that there is a special requirement for clinical research. Is this true?
Yes.  In any case in which the HHS determines that a NIH-funded clinical research project whose purpose is to evaluate the safety or effectiveness of a drug, medical device or treatment has been designed, conducted or reported by an Investigator with a conflicting interest that was not  managed or reported by the Institution as required by the regulation, the Institution must require the Investigator(s) involved to disclose the Financial Conflict of Interest in each public presentation of the results of the research and to request an addendum to previously published presentations.  Institution's Financial Conflict of Interest policy may have additional requirements.